By
Alex Smith |
Viking has named its newest river ship, Viking Osiris, with a celebration in Luxor, Egypt on the River Nile.
George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, served as the company’s first ceremonial godfather in the ceremony, offering a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
“It is a great honour to be asked to be godfather to the Viking Osiris, one of the most beautiful river vessels to have ever graced the Nile,” said Lord Carnarvon. “This is especially the case in the centenary year of my great-grandfather’s discovery of the tomb of the Pharoah Tutankhamun, and no doubt he and my great-grandmother, Lady Almina, would have been delighted to board the Viking Osiris had it been sailing in their day.”
Viking Osiris has capacity for 82 guests in 41 staterooms, and features Viking’s signature design, including a square bow and an Indoor/Outdoor Aquavit Terrace. It joins Viking Ra on the River Nile, with an identical sister ship, Viking Aton, also set to be launched in 2023. During the naming ceremony, Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, announced that two more sister ships, Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek, are already under construction and will be delivered in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
“Egypt has always drawn curious explorers for its rich history and ancient antiquities, and ever since we first began operating on the Nile River in 2004, our guests continue to be amazed by the country’s many cultural treasures,” said Hagen. “During this milestone year for Egypt, we are also very grateful for the continued close friendship with the Carnarvon family, and that Lord Carnarvon has honoured us by serving as the first godfather in our history.”
Viking Osiris will now begin sailing on a 12-day ‘Pharaohs & Pyramids’ itinerary roundtrip from Cairo, Egypt.